Snow Removal System

ABSTRACT

A snow removal system for removing snow from a driving surface. The snow removal system is designed to be installed to a vehicle, such as a truck. The system includes a blade for gathering the snow from the driving surface. The snow is directed into an opening that extends through the blade and into a duct. The snow moves through the duct and into a melting unit. The snow is melted in the melting unit into water and/or steam during the removal process. The melted snow may then be discharged from the system.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/112,842 filed on Feb. 6, 2015 entitled “SAP & ZAP Snow Removal System”. This application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Snow must be removed from driving surfaces to ensure they remain open and safe for drivers. These driving surfaces may include a variety of different types, including but not limited to roads, driveways, and parking lots. Maintaining these driving surfaces usually includes moving the snow with a snow plow. The plow may be used to move the snow to the sides of the driving surfaces such as the sides of a road, or piling the snow in one area or more areas of the driving surface such as in one area of a parking lot. Each of these causes potential issues.

Moving the snow to the sides of the driving surfaces is the most common way of clearing a driving surface. For example, a plow may drive along a road and move the snow off the road and onto the adjacent shoulder of the road. A potential issue with this is that the snow along the sides of the driving surface accumulates over time. This is particularly problematic after a large snowfall or after an extended period of snowy weather. Moving the snow from the driving surfaces may become more difficult as the snow accumulates and there is not adequate room for moving additional snow. Further, if the snow is piled into an area of the driving surface, such as a portion of a large parking lot, the snow limits the functional area of the surface. For example, accumulated snow limits the usable area of a parking lot.

Moving the snow to the sides of the driving surfaces may also lead to icy conditions. The piled snow may slowly melt, such as during warm and/or sunny weather. However, the air temperatures may fall to below freezing during the night with the melted snow refreezing resulting in icy conditions around the accumulated snow. This may be dangerous to drivers and pedestrians who use these areas. Further, the accumulated snow may become an eyesore over time, particularly during the later winter months when people are tired of the cold winter weather.

In many locations, such as in cities, there is not adequate room for the snow along the sides of the driving surfaces. These areas include sidewalks that extend along the roads and are used by pedestrians. Further, many roads include medians and do not include any areas for accumulating snow. Therefore, moving the snow off the driving surface to a nearby area is not an option.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to a snow removal system for removing snow from a driving surface. The system includes a blade for gathering the snow from the driving surface. The snow is directed into an opening that extends through the blade and through a duct. The snow moves through the duct and into a melting unit. The snow is melted into water and/or steam during the removal process. The melted snow is discharged from the system.

One embodiment is directed to a snow removal system designed to be mounted to a vehicle to remove snow from a driving surface. The snow removal system includes an elongated blade with an outer perimeter formed by opposing upper and lower sides and opposing lateral sides. The blade includes an opening that extends through the blade and is positioned within the outer perimeter. The system also includes a melting unit with a heated interior space to melt the snow and an outlet through which the melted snow can exit from the melting unit. The melting unit is positioned vertically above the blade. The system also includes an enclosed duct that extends between the opening in the blade and the melting unit. The duct includes a first section with a horizontal orientation that extends away from the opening and a second section with a vertical orientation that extends into the melting unit.

The blade may include a concave shape with the opening positioned at a center of the blade and being recessed inward from the outer perimeter.

The first section of the duct may include a straight shape and extends directly away from the opening in the blade.

The snow removal system may also include a conveyor in the interior of the duct to move the snow along the duct. The conveyor may include rollers that are spaced apart and a rotating belt that extends around the rollers. The conveyor may be positioned at the second section of the duct.

The snow removal system may include a vacuum operatively connected to the interior of the duct to create a force to move the snow along the duct.

The snow removal system may include a fan operatively connected to the interior of the duct to create a force to move the snow along the duct.

Another embodiment is directed to a snow removal system designed to be mounted to a vehicle to remove snow from a driving surface. The snow removal system includes an elongated blade with an opening that extends through the blade and is contained within an interior section of the blade. The blade is configured to be mounted to a front of the vehicle. The snow removal system also includes a melting unit positioned within a bed of the vehicle and that is elevated above the blade. The melting unit includes a heated interior space to melt the snow and at least one discharge port through which the melted snow can exit from the interior space. A duct includes an inlet that is mounted to the opening in the blade and an outlet at the interior space of the melting unit. The duct includes a first section that extends away from the blade and is positioned under a cab of the vehicle and a second section that extends from the first section to the melting unit. The duct includes a conveyor with a moving belt that rotates to move the snow along the duct towards the melting unit.

The conveyor may extend along an entire length of the duct from the inlet to the outlet.

The conveyor may extend along a limited section of the duct.

The second section of the duct may include a vertical orientation and the conveyor may be positioned at the second section of the duct.

The first section of the duct may include a straight shape and extend directly away from the opening in the blade.

The blade may include a concave shape with the opening positioned at a center of the blade and being recessed inward from an outer perimeter of the blade.

The snow removal system may include a vacuum operatively connected to the interior of the duct to create a force to move the snow along the duct.

The snow removal system may include a fan operatively connected to the interior of the duct to create a force to move the snow along the duct.

Another embodiment is directed to a snow removal system designed to be mounted to a vehicle to remove snow from a driving surface. The snow removal system includes an elongated blade with an outer perimeter formed by opposing upper and lower sides and opposing lateral sides. The blade includes a central opening positioned within the outer perimeter. The snow removal system includes a melting unit with a heated interior space to melt the snow and at least one discharge port through which the melted snow can exit from the melting unit. The melting unit is positioned vertically above the blade. The snow removal system also includes an enclosed duct that extends between the opening in the blade and the melting unit. The duct includes a first section at the opening with a horizontal orientation that extends away from the opening and a second section downstream from the first section with a vertical orientation that extends into the melting unit. The duct also includes a conveyor with a moving belt that rotates to move the snow along the duct towards the melting unit.

The conveyor may be positioned along the second section of the duct.

The blade may include a concave shape with the opening is recessed inward from the outer perimeter of the blade.

The snow removal may also include a vacuum operatively connected to the interior of the duct to create a force to move the snow along the duct.

The snow removal may also include a fan operatively connected to the interior of the duct to create a force to move the snow along the duct.

The various aspects of the various embodiments may be used alone or in any combination, as is desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a snow removal system with a cover of a melting unit shown in an exploded orientation.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a snow removal system mounted on a vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of blade.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a blade.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a duct that directs the snow between the blade and the melting unit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a duct that includes a vacuum and a fan to move the snow.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a duct that includes a conveyor to move the snow.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a melting unit mounted within a bed of a vehicle.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a melting unit.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a melting unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to a snow removal system for clearing driving surfaces such as but not limited to roads, driveways, and parking lots. The system is configured to be fitted to a vehicle, such as a truck and may be removed when not in use. The snow removal system is designed to remove the snow from the various surfaces, melt the snow, and discharge the remnants in the form of water and/or steam. The system eliminates redirecting the snow to areas adjacent to the driving surfaces or sections of the driving surface where it accumulates and remains a potential safety issue.

The system is configured to be attached to a vehicle. The system includes a blade that gathers the snow from the driving surface, a duct that moves the snow away from the blade, and a melting unit that melts the snow. The blade is configured to be attached to the front of the vehicle in a traditional, well-known manner. The melting unit is configured to be placed in the bed of the vehicle. The duct extends from the blade to the melting unit. In one embodiment, a portion of the duct extends underneath the cab of the vehicle. Other embodiments position the duct at other locations, including along the lateral side of the cab or over the cab.

FIG. 1 illustrates a snow removal system 10 that includes a blade 20, duct 40, and a melting unit 60. FIG. 2 illustrates the snow removal system 10 attached to a vehicle 100. The system 10 includes the blade 20 that gathers the snow from the surface that is being plowed. The gathered snow is directed towards an opening 21 in the blade 20 and into the duct 40. The snow moves through the duct 40 and into the melting unit 60. The majority of the melting of the snow occurs in the melting unit 60, although the blade 20 and/or the duct 40 may also be equipped to melt the snow. The melting unit 60 further includes one or more discharge ports 63 to discharge the water.

The blade 20 is sized to gather the snow from the plowed driving surface. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the blade 20 includes an outer perimeter with a substantially rectangular shape with a lower edge 22, and upper edge 23, and opposing lateral edges 24. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the blade 20 may include a concave shape with the lateral edges 24 positioned outward from the opening 21. The lower edge 22 and the upper edge 23 may also be positioned outward from the opening 21. This concave shape assists in directing the snow into the opening 21 when the blade 20 is being moved in a forward direction by the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lateral edges 24 of the blade are formed by end flaps 29 that are connected to the blade 20 by one or more mechanical fasteners. The flaps 29 extend outward from the face of the blade 20 to capture the snow and prevent escaping.

The opening 21 is sized to receive the gathered snow. The opening 21 is positioned at a central portion of the blade and within the outer edges 22, 23, 24. The opening 21 may be centered between the lateral edges 24. The opening 21 may also be centered between the lower edge 22 and the upper edge 23. The opening 21 may also be offset along the blade 20 in closer proximity to one of the lateral edges 24 and/or upper and lower edges 22, 23. The opening 21 may include a variety of different shapes, including but not limited to a circular shape and an oval shape.

The blade 20 may also be configured to facilitate movement towards the opening 21. The shape of the blade 20 is one manner in which the snow is directed to the opening 21. The blade 20 may also be coated with a material that facilitates snow movement and prevents sticking to the blade 20. In one embodiment, the blade 20 includes a coating constructed from one or more silicone, graphite, and TEFLON material.

The blade 20 may also include one or more heating elements 25 that extend along the blade 20. The heating elements 25 include a high resistance electrical heating circuit. Each of the heating elements 25 includes a lead that is connected to a power source, such as a vehicle battery or a separate battery. When the heating elements 25 are powered, the elements become heated and elevate the heat of the blade 20. These heat sources prevent the snow from sticking on the blade 20 and also start the melting process of transitioning the snow from a solid.

The heating elements 25 may be positioned in conduits that extend within the interior of the blade 20. The heating elements 25 may also be attached to the exterior of the blade 20, along the front surface (i.e., the surface that contacts the snow), the back surface, or both.

The duct 40 is connected to the blade 20 at the opening 21 to move the snow to the melting unit 60. The duct 40 includes an inlet 41 positioned at the opening 21 that receives the snow, and an outlet 42 at the end of the duct 40 positioned at the melting unit 60. The duct 40 includes an enclosed interior to prevent the snow from escaping as it moves along the length. The duct 40 may include various cross-sectional shapes and sizes. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a sleeve 31 may extend around the duct 40 at the inlet 41 and the neck of the opening 21. The sleeve 31 connects the duct 40 to the blade 20 and prevents snow from escaping at the junction.

The shape and size of the duct 40 may vary along the length to conform to the vehicle 100 and the position of the duct 40 relative to the vehicle 100. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, the duct 40 includes a convoluted shape. A first section 43 extends inward from the inlet 41 and is sized and shaped to extend underneath the cab of the vehicle 100. The first section 43 includes a straight shape to prevent and/or reduce becoming blocked from the snow entering through the blade opening 21. The first section 43 may also include one or more declines 44 in which the elevation of the interior space drops downward to facilitate movement of the snow and prevent blocking.

A second section 45 of the duct 40 extends from the first section 43 and includes a lateral turn. The second section 45 moves the snow from a center of the underneath of the vehicle 100 to a lateral side of the vehicle 100. A third section 46 is vertically oriented to move the snow upward into the melting unit 60 that is positioned in the bed of the vehicle 100. The outlet 42 is positioned to direct the snow into the melting unit 60. The outlet 42 may be attached to the melting unit, or may be positioned above or in an opening in the melting unit 60.

One or more sections of the duct 40 may be equipped to prevent and/or reduce the snow from becoming blocked while moving along the length. The interior of the duct 40 may be coated with a material that facilitates movement of the snow. This may include but is not limited to TEFLON, graphite, and silicone. Heating elements 48 may be positioned to heat the duct 40. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the heating elements 48 may be positioned at one or more locations along the length between the inlet 41 and the outlet 42. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, heating elements 48 are positioned along the entire length. The heating elements 48 may be powered through a power source from the vehicle 100, such as the vehicle battery, or may include their own separate power source.

The duct 40 may also be heated by one or more heated gases to melt the snow and also to preventing blocking. These gases are heated to an elevated temperature and facilitate the process. In one embodiment, exhaust gases from the vehicle 100 are directed into the duct 40. The gases may be piped from various locations along the exhaust system of the vehicle 100, such as at the muffler, at the exhaust outlet, and various other locations. Heated gases may also be piped into the duct 40 from the melting unit 60.

The duct 40 may include a vacuum 55 to provide suction to propel the snow along the duct 40. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the vacuum 55 is positioned along the duct 40, with one embodiment positioning the vacuum 55 at the outlet 42. The vacuum 55 may create a pressure gradient with the ambient pressure to propel the snow along the duct. The duct 40 may include a single vacuum 55 or multiple vacuums 55 as necessary.

A fan 56 may be positioned along the duct 40 that creates airflow to propel the snow along the duct 40. The fan 56 may include a rotating arrangement of vanes or blades to create the airflow that is introduced into the duct 40. The fan 56 may be positioned at various points along the duct. 40. FIG. 6 includes a single fan 56 located along the duct 40, although other embodiments may include two or more fans 56. The fan 56 may also be used to introduce heated gases into the duct 40 to melt the snow.

A conveyor 50 may be positioned along the duct 40 to assist in moving the snow. The conveyor 50 may extend the entire length of the duct 40, or may be positioned at one or more discrete sections. The different conveyor sections may be the same or may be different. In one embodiment, the conveyor 50 extends along the vertical section of the duct 40 (e.g., section 46 as illustrated in FIG. 5).

FIG. 7 illustrates a conveyor 50 positioned along the bottom of a section of the duct 40. The conveyor includes a belt 52 that extends around a pair of spaced-apart rollers 51. One or more of the rollers 51 are powered to rotate thereby causing the belt 52 to rotate around the rollers 51. The conveyor 50 is positioned along a bottom of the duct 40. This provides for the snow to be positioned on the belt 52.

The duct 40 may include one or more of the various concepts to move the snow along the length. In one embodiment, the duct 40 includes a single concept to move the snow (e.g., vacuum 55). Other embodiments include two or more different concepts that work in combination to move the snow (e.g., conveyor 50 and fan).

The vertical section of the duct 40 may include a component to assist in moving the snow. This may include one or more of the conveyor 50, vacuum 55, and fan 56. As with the blade 20, the duct 40 may be configured to melt the snow into water and/or steam. The duct 40 may be attached to the vehicle 100 through one or more mechanical fasteners 130.

The melting unit 60 receives the snow from the outlet 42 of the duct 40 and converts the snow to water and/or steam. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 8, the melting unit 60 is positioned within the vehicle bed 120. The melting unit 60 may be elevated relative to the blade 20.

The melting unit 60 includes a container 66 configured to receive snow from the duct 40, either through an opening 64 in the top or along a side wall as illustrated in FIG. 9. The container 66 includes side walls forming an interior space that is heated to melt the snow. One or more outlets 68 are positioned in the container 66 to discharge the melted snow. The outlets 68 may be positioned along a lower section of the container 66 to discharge water and along an upper section of the container 66 to discharge steam.

The interior space of the container 66 is heated to melt the snow. In one embodiment, the melting unit includes a heater 62 that delivers heated gases into the interior space. The heater 62 may be positioned within the interior space, or may be external and include one or more ducts for introducing the heated gases. The heater 62 may be an electric unit that operates from its own power source, or may receive power through the vehicle 100. Heater 62 may also include a gas-powered motor. The interior space may also be heated by one or more heating elements 66. The heating elements 66 may be attached to the inner wall of the container 66, or may be positioned within the walls of the container 66.

The interior space of the container 66 may be heated to a variety of different temperatures. In one embodiment, the temperatures may be adjusted from between 210° F.-2400° F. The driver of the vehicle 100 may be able to adjust the heat of the interior space depending upon the conditions and the needs for the specific context of use.

The melting unit 60 may also include a housing 67 as illustrated in FIG. 1 that houses the container 66. The housing 67 is sized to fit within the bed 120 of the vehicle 100. Water that is discharged from container 66 through the outlets 68 moves into the housing 67. The housing 67 includes one or more discharge ports 63 where the water is discharged from the melting unit 60. The discharge ports 63 may be positioned at the bottom of the melting unit 60 to drain the water.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a cover 69 may extend over the housing 67. The cover 69 may include an opening 71 to discharge steam. An exhaust fan (not illustrated) may be positioned at the opening 71 to further expel the steam. The cover 69 may extend across an entirety of the housing 67, or just a limited portion.

In use, the snow removal system 10 is initially mounted to the vehicle 100. This includes the blade 20 being mounted to the front of the vehicle 100 such that it extends outward in front of the vehicle cab 110. This may include a traditional mounting technique used for attaching a blade 20 to a vehicle 100. FIG. 1 illustrates a mount 140 that attaches the blade 20 to the front of the vehicle 100. The mount 140 may include a hydraulic lift to adjust the relative position of the plow between a lowered position to plow the driving surface and a raised position when not in use.

The blade 20 may be mounted to be movable between a first position in which the blade 20 is lowered to gather the snow from a driving surface and a second position in which the blade 20 is raised upward away from the driving surface. The inlet 41 of the duct 40 may be mounted to the blade 20 to provide for this movement. In one embodiment, the inlet 41 is pivotally mounted through first and second pivot members positioned on opposing sides of the blade opening 21. The blade 20 pivots about an axis that extends through the two pivot members when moving between the first and second positions.

The melting unit 60 is positioned within the vehicle bed 120. The melting unit 60 may be positioned towards a front of the bed (i.e., towards the cab 120) or may be positioned within a rearward section. The melting unit 60 may occupy a limited section of the bed 120, or may be sized to fill the entire bed 120. The heater 62 may be attached to the melting unit 60, or may be a separate component that is separately mounted in the bed 120. If a separate component, one or more ducts extend from the heater 62 to deliver the heated gases to the interior space of the melting unit.

The duct 40 is further mounted to the vehicle 100 to move the snow from the blade 20 to the melting unit 60. The duct 40 is located with a portion positioned under the vehicle cab 110. The duct 40 is attached to the vehicle 100 to be above the driving surface. One or more mechanical fasteners 130 may be used to connect the duct 40 to the underside of the vehicle 100. Further, one or more supports 140 (see FIG. 2) may maintain the duct 40 upward away from the driving surface.

The portion of the duct 40 underneath the vehicle 100 may extend directly away from the opening 21. This facilitates movement of the snow along the duct 40 and prevents blocking. This portion of the duct 40 may also extend at an angle towards the lateral side of the truck.

Another section of the duct 40 extends along the lateral side of the vehicle 100 up into the bed 120. This may be positioned behind the cab 110 such that it does not interfere with the driver. This section of the duct 40 may also be attached to the vehicle using a variety of different mechanical fasteners 130.

In use, the blade 20 is positioned downward to gather the snow from the driving surface. The shape of the blade 20 and forward motion of the vehicle direct the snow into the opening 21 in the blade 20. The snow moves through the opening 21 and into the interior of the duct 40. The duct 40 includes an enclosed interior space to allow the snow to move along its length without escaping. The duct 40 is configured to move the snow along its length. This may include that the initial length of the duct 40 at the opening 21 is substantially straight to facilitate the snow movement. One or more components in the duct 40 may also be powered to facilitate the movement. These components include but are not limited to a conveyor 50, fan 56, heating elements 48, and vacuum 55. Further, the snow itself assists in moving the snow in the duct 40 through its length. That is, the snow entering into the opening 21 causes a force on the snow already in the interior of the duct 40 and moves that snow further along the length.

The snow moves through the length of the duct 40 and is expelled into the interior of the container 66 of the melting unit 60. The container 66 is heated to melt the snow into water and/or steam. The melted snow is discharged from the melting unit and the vehicle as steam and/or water.

The system gathers the snow from the driving surface. Thus there is no snow that is accumulated along the side of the driving surface or on a pile on the driving surface. Further, the melted snow can be discharged from the vehicle 100 as it moves along the driving surface.

The vehicle 100 may be equipped with a control panel to operate one or more aspects of the system 10. This may include controls to activate one or more of the conveyor 50, vacuum 55, fan 56, and heating elements 25, 48. Controls may also include the ability to activate the melting unit 60 to control the heat of the interior space of the container 66.

In one embodiment as disclosed above, the melting unit 60 includes a housing 67. Other embodiments of the melting unit 60 may not include a housing 67.

Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising” and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A snow removal system designed to be mounted to a vehicle to remove snow from a driving surface, the snow removal system comprising: an elongated blade with an outer perimeter formed by opposing upper and lower sides and opposing lateral sides, the blade including an opening that extends through the blade and is positioned within the outer perimeter; a melting unit with a container with a heated interior space to melt the snow and an outlet through which the melted snow can exit from the melting unit, the melting unit being positioned vertically above the blade; and an enclosed duct that extends between the opening in the blade and the melting unit, the duct including a first section with a horizontal orientation that extends away from the opening and a second section with a vertical orientation that extends into the melting unit.
 2. The snow removal system of claim 1, wherein the blade includes a concave shape with the opening positioned at a center of the blade and being recessed inward from the outer perimeter.
 3. The snow removal system of claim 1, wherein the first section of the duct includes a straight shape and extends directly away from the opening in the blade.
 4. The snow removal system of claim 1, further comprising a conveyor in the interior of the duct to move the snow along the duct, the conveyor including rollers that are spaced apart and a rotating belt that extends around the rollers.
 5. The snow removal system of claim 4, wherein the conveyor is positioned at the second section of the duct.
 6. The snow removal system of claim 1, further comprising a vacuum operatively connected to the interior of the duct to create a force to move the snow along the duct.
 7. The snow removal system of claim 1, further comprising a fan operatively connected to the interior of the duct to create a force to move the snow along the duct.
 8. A snow removal system designed to be mounted to a vehicle to remove snow from a driving surface, the snow removal system comprising: an elongated blade with an opening that extends through the blade and is contained within an interior section of the blade, the blade configured to be mounted to a front of the vehicle; a melting unit positioned within a bed of the vehicle that is elevated above the blade, the melting unit including a heated interior space to melt the snow and at least one discharge port through which the melted snow can exit from the interior space; and an enclosed duct with an inlet that is mounted to the opening in the blade and an outlet at the interior space of the melting unit, the duct comprising a first section configured to extend away from the blade and to be positioned under a cab of the vehicle and a second section that extends from the first section to the melting unit, the duct comprising a conveyor with a moving belt that rotates to move the snow along the duct towards the melting unit.
 9. The snow removal system of claim 8, wherein the conveyor extends along an entire length of the duct from the inlet to the outlet.
 10. The snow removal system of claim 8, wherein the conveyor extends along a limited section of the duct.
 11. The snow removal system of claim 10, wherein the second section of the duct includes a vertical orientation and the conveyor is positioned at the second section of the duct.
 12. The snow removal system of claim 11, wherein the first section of the duct includes a straight shape and extends directly away from the opening in the blade.
 13. The snow removal system of claim 8, wherein the blade includes a concave shape with the opening positioned at a center of the blade and being recessed inward from an outer perimeter of the blade.
 14. The snow removal system of claim 8, further comprising a vacuum operatively connected to the interior of the duct to create a force to move the snow along the duct.
 15. The snow removal system of claim 8, further comprising a fan operatively connected to the interior of the duct to create a force to move the snow along the duct.
 16. A snow removal system designed to be mounted to a vehicle to remove snow from a driving surface, the snow removal system comprising: an elongated blade with an outer perimeter formed by opposing upper and lower sides and opposing lateral sides, the blade including a central opening positioned within the outer perimeter; a melting unit with a container having a heated interior space to melt the snow, the melting unit being positioned vertically above the blade; and an enclosed duct that extends between the opening in the blade and the melting unit, the duct including a first section at the opening with a horizontal orientation that extends away from the opening and a second section downstream from the first section and having a vertical orientation that extends into the melting unit, the duct also comprising a conveyor with a moving belt that rotates to move the snow along the duct towards the melting unit.
 17. The snow removal system of claim 16, wherein the conveyor is positioned along the second section of the duct.
 18. The snow removal system of claim 16, wherein the blade includes a concave shape with the opening is recessed inward from the outer perimeter of the blade.
 19. The snow removal system of claim 16, further comprising a vacuum operatively connected to the interior of the duct to create a force to move the snow along the duct.
 20. The snow removal system of claim 16, further comprising a fan operatively connected to the interior of the duct to create a force to move the snow along the duct. 